Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • 24/7 service at St Joseph Health Centre

    24/7 service at St Joseph Health Centre

    In a transformative move for Trinidad’s healthcare landscape, the North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) has implemented round-the-clock general practice services at the St Joseph Enhanced Health Centre effective December 1st. This strategic expansion represents a significant advancement in making primary healthcare accessible beyond conventional operating hours.

    The initiative, unveiled through an official December 3rd announcement, aims to substantially alleviate patient overload at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC). Health authorities emphasize that this 24/7 operational model will particularly benefit working families and caregivers who previously struggled to access medical services during standard business hours.

    According to the NCRHA, patients can anticipate enhanced convenience, minimized treatment delays, and considerably reduced waiting times. The round-the-clock availability is projected to create systemic improvements across the healthcare network by redirecting non-emergency cases from the Accident and Emergency Department at Mt Hope to the St Joseph facility for prompt attention.

    This development occurs under the guidance of Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe and newly appointed NCRHA chairman Dr. Tim Gopeesingh, who stated: “By extending our hours, we aim to make high-quality healthcare more accessible to every citizen. This service reflects our commitment to strengthening primary care while ensuring people receive appropriate medical attention when they need it most.”

    The St Joseph Enhanced Health Centre will maintain its walk-in general practice services for diverse medical conditions, aligning with the NCRHA’s comprehensive strategy to modernize and expand primary healthcare infrastructure throughout the region.

  • UTT Patriots into FISU America Football World Cup qualifiers

    UTT Patriots into FISU America Football World Cup qualifiers

    The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) Patriots men’s football team has achieved a spectacular double victory, culminating their outstanding Tertiary Sport Association of TT (TSATT) season with both league and knockout titles. On November 24, the Clayton Morris-coached squad delivered a commanding 5-1 performance against USC Hummers at the UTT O’Meara Campus to claim the TSATT knockout championship.

    This decisive victory secured the team’s qualification for the prestigious International University Sports Federation (FISU) America Football World Cup qualifiers, scheduled for July 2026 in Peru. The Patriots will join their female counterparts, who also earned qualification, representing UTT on the international stage.

    The path to the final showcased the team’s resilience when they overcame UWI in a dramatic penalty shootout on November 20. After battling to a 1-1 draw in regulation time, UTT emerged victorious with a 4-2 penalty triumph. The final match saw the team operating at peak performance, with Andre Alfred delivering an exceptional hat-trick and Tyrone Rago contributing a brace to secure the comprehensive victory.

    This marks the second appearance for the UTT men’s team in the FISU America qualifiers, following their participation in the 2022 edition hosted in Mexico. Meanwhile, the women’s team prepares for their third qualification campaign, having previously competed in both the 2022 and 2024 tournaments.

    In an official statement, UTT expressed pride in their athletes’ accomplishments: “UTT is proud to celebrate the achievements of its men’s football team and wishes them continued success in upcoming endeavours.” The university community now looks forward to supporting both teams as they prepare to represent Trinidad and Tobago in international competition.

  • Griffith: Impossible for Farley to be on National Security Council

    Griffith: Impossible for Farley to be on National Security Council

    Former National Security Minister Gary Griffith has firmly opposed Tobago Chief Secretary Farley Augustine’s proposal to join Trinidad and Tobago’s National Security Council (NSC), citing constitutional and procedural constraints. The controversy emerged following Augustine’s call for Tobago representation during a Tobago People’s Party rally on December 1st, specifically referencing the recent installation of a US military radar at Arthur NR International Airport.

    Griffith, who served as both national security minister and adviser during Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s first administration, explained that Trinidad and Tobago’s parliamentary system strictly follows the British model regarding NSC composition. “The NSC is a cabinet committee,” Griffith emphasized. “To be a member, you must first be a member of cabinet, which requires being both a parliamentarian in the lower house and a government minister simultaneously.”

    The former police commissioner detailed that even junior ministers designated as “minister in the ministry of” cannot join cabinet meetings, making them ineligible for NSC participation. He noted that only select cabinet members typically join the security council, with the prime minister serving as permanent chair alongside automatic members like the attorney general and national security minister.

    Griffith addressed concerns about the radar installation by suggesting alternative participation methods: “If there’s a specific agenda item pertaining to Tobago’s security, the chief secretary could be invited as a guest for that particular discussion.” He warned that granting Augustine’s request would set a problematic precedent where every minister could demand NSC access based on portfolio-related security concerns.

    The political context remains complex, as no formal coalition exists between the ruling UNC and Augustine’s TPP, though two TPP MPs occupy government-aligned seats in parliament without holding ministerial positions.

  • Dominant St Joseph’s Convent cruise to north zone intercol crown

    Dominant St Joseph’s Convent cruise to north zone intercol crown

    St Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain (SJCPoS) delivered a breathtaking performance on December 3, securing the 2025 north zone championship with an emphatic 7-0 victory against Holy Name Convent at Hasely Crawford Stadium. The commanding win propels SJCPoS into the national intercol semifinals as they pursue consecutive Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Coca-Cola girls’ titles.

    The match transformed into a showcase of offensive brilliance as national team defender Kaitlyn Darwent transitioned to midfield duties, contributing two goals while earning Player of the Match honors. The 17-year-old captain, fresh from representing Trinidad and Tobago in their Concacaf W Qualifiers triumph over Barbados days earlier, demonstrated exceptional leadership and technical prowess throughout the encounter.

    SJCPoS established overwhelming dominance early, netting five goals within the first 34 minutes. Sydney Pollard initiated the scoring barrage in the 12th minute, followed by Darwent’s first strike four minutes later. Kara Cooper then delivered a rapid brace with goals in the 27th and 31st minutes, before Scarlett Cole extended the advantage to 5-0 before halftime.

    Despite resilient goalkeeping from Holy Name’s Sorcha Cumming in the second half, SJCPoS added two additional goals through Darwent (48th minute) and Pollard (76th minute) to complete the devastating result.

    The victory sets up a highly anticipated national semifinal clash against south zone champions Pleasantville Secondary—a rematch of last year’s dramatic final decided by penalties. Adding intrigue to the matchup, Pleasantville secured a Super Cup victory against SJCPoS earlier this season, establishing a compelling narrative of competitive rivalry.

    In the other semifinal pairing, east zone winners Five Rivers Secondary will confront Tobago champions Signal Hill Secondary, who earned their place with a 3-0 defeat of Bishop’s High School on the same day. Signal Hill’s victory featured goals from Leia-Marie Balfour, Alliyah Baptiste, and Shaquana Brown.

  • Out in South cancelled, promoters urge stadia ban reversal

    Out in South cancelled, promoters urge stadia ban reversal

    The Trinidad and Tobago Promoters Association (TTPA) has publicly denounced the government’s sudden prohibition on utilizing state-owned venues for Carnival 2026 festivities, characterizing the move as discriminatory and operationally disruptive. During a December 3 media briefing at One Woodbrook Place in Port of Spain, industry representatives revealed approximately 16 major events now face potential cancellation or relocation due to the policy shift.

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar initially justified the restrictions last month citing noise pollution concerns near venues including Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA) and Hasely Crawford Stadium. The annual Out in South fete, traditionally hosted at BLCA, has already been confirmed as a casualty of the new regulations.

    TTPA Vice President Asha Green emphasized the association seeks constructive consultation rather than legal confrontation, despite having received no response to their December 1 letter requesting policy reversal. Green outlined comprehensive noise-mitigation strategies proposed by promoters, including certified acoustic oversight, real-time sound monitoring, and strategic speaker placement—measures she noted often exceed state recommendations.

    The financial implications are substantial, with promoters anticipating multimillion-dollar losses. Event producer Adrian Chandler described an atmosphere of uncertainty, noting that even when venues became available, increased costs made them economically unfeasible for many stakeholders.

    Damian Baboolal, director at Spirit Mas and secretary of Naparima College’s Past Students Association, highlighted the disproportionate impact on southern Trinidad communities. He revealed the ban has effectively dismantled vital fundraising mechanisms for educational institutions, depriving schools of resources for underprivileged students and infrastructure improvements. Baboolal further alleged an unofficial government mandate prohibiting state agencies from sponsoring Carnival events, exacerbating the financial strain on cultural organizers.

    The association maintains that collaborative governance—exemplified by the successful relocation of Scorch’s First Jam event through cooperation with the National Carnival Commission—represents a more effective solution than outright bans for addressing community concerns while preserving Trinidad’s cultural heritage.

  • Nicholas Paul, Teniel Campbell adjudged cyclists of the year

    Nicholas Paul, Teniel Campbell adjudged cyclists of the year

    The Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation (TTCF) celebrated its most accomplished international competitors during its annual awards ceremony on November 29 at the National Cycling Centre in Balmain, Couva. Sprint specialist Nicholas Paul and endurance cyclist Teniel Campbell received top honors as the federation’s 2025 most outstanding male and female international cyclists, respectively, following a year of remarkable achievements.

    Paul dominated the Pan American Track Cycling Championships in Paraguay last April, securing an impressive triple crown in the men’s team sprint, individual sprint, and 1km time trial events, while adding a silver medal in the keirin. Though he narrowly missed the podium at the World Championships with fourth and seventh place finishes in sprint and keirin events, Paul continued his winning streak with sprint gold at the Summer Slam in the United States in July. Most recently, he claimed keirin gold at the ongoing Bolivarian Games in Lima, Peru.

    Campbell demonstrated exceptional versatility throughout the 2025 season, capturing double gold in both the women’s individual time trial and road race at the Caribbean Elite Road Cycling Championships in Belize this October. Her Pan American performances included gold in the points race and bronze in the elimination race at the Track Championships, complemented by dual bronze medals in the time trial and road race at the Pan American Road Continental Championships in April. The elite cyclist also achieved second place at Belgium’s Grote Prijs Yvonne Reynders event in August and placed 23rd in a competitive field of 44 riders at the UCI Road World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda.

    The ceremony also recognized emerging talent, with Campbell’s younger brother Akil receiving the President’s Cup for his promising performances across local, regional, and international circuits as a rising endurance specialist. Akil Campbell additionally claimed top honors for elite division one men, while Miami Blazers professional Alexi Costa-Ramirez earned the women’s equivalent.

    San Fernando-based Rigtech Sonics received the distinction of best club, with junior accolades awarded to Trishton Jaichan (PSL) and Cassidy Samaroo (Madonna Wheelers). The federation further celebrated developing talent across multiple age categories, from tinymites to masters divisions, highlighting the depth of Trinidad and Tobago’s cycling future.

  • Tancoo hits Imbert for finance bill complaints

    Tancoo hits Imbert for finance bill complaints

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo has vehemently rejected allegations from former finance minister Colm Imbert regarding impending tax implementations. The controversy emerged as Parliament prepared to review the Finance Bill 2025 during its December 5 House session scheduled for 1:30 PM.

    Minister Tancoo characterized Imbert’s assertions as political theatrics, stating the bill’s circulation timeline complies entirely with parliamentary procedures that have been standard practice for over a decade. Through WhatsApp communications on December 3, Tancoo emphasized that finance bills routinely follow budget approvals to implement previously outlined policies.

    The minister accused the opposition of neglecting their parliamentary duties while he works extensively to address financial and administrative challenges inherited from the previous administration. Tancoo stressed the nation requires serious governance rather than complaints about legislative processes.

    Opposition MP Imbert had taken to social media platform X on December 5, claiming the government circulated a 44-page bill containing numerous new taxes including landlord taxes, electricity surcharges, a 20% National Insurance System rate increase, and enhanced fines alongside previously announced alcohol tax hikes.

    The 2025/2026 budget presented on October 13 projects $59.232 billion in expenditure against $55.367 billion revenue, creating a $3.865 billion deficit. This contrasts with the previous PNM government’s budget that showed a $5.517 billion deficit. Tancoo’s budget calculations assume oil at US$73.25/barrel and natural gas at US$4.25/mmbtu, slightly adjusted from last year’s energy price projections.

  • Zara Chase leads Pleasantville to girls’ south intercol crown

    Zara Chase leads Pleasantville to girls’ south intercol crown

    In a spectacular display of offensive prowess, Pleasantville Secondary School secured a resounding 5-0 victory against St Joseph’s Convent San Fernando in the Secondary Schools Football League’s girls’ south zone intercol final. The championship match, held December 2 at Couva’s Ato Boldon Stadium, witnessed winger Zara Chase emerge as the undeniable star with a second-half hat-trick that dismantled the opposition.

    Despite controlling first-half proceedings, the reigning girls’ Big 5 champions only managed a single goal before halftime—a 13th-minute finish from Kaeley Martin, expertly set up by midfielder Ayoka Muhammad’s precision through pass.

    The match transformed dramatically after the interval as Pleasantville, under coach Brian London, returned with intensified determination. The breakthrough came swiftly when St Joseph’s goalkeeper Amara Bhagan mishandled a long-range effort in the 47th minute, presenting Chase with an opportunistic close-range tap-in.

    Demonstrating remarkable individual skill, Chase doubled her tally merely two minutes later, elegantly navigating past multiple defenders before slotting a left-footed strike into the far corner. The relentless offensive continued as captain Natalia Gosine converted a 56th-minute penalty with composed accuracy following a handball violation.

    Chase completed her hat-trick moments later, cutting inside from the left flank and driving a powerful right-footed finish past the goalkeeper at the near post. Bhagan partially redeemed herself with a critical foot save denying Chase a fourth goal in the 62nd minute, while Gosine nearly added another with a late long-range effort that sailed just over the crossbar.

    The final whistle confirmed Pleasantville’s successful defense of their south zone intercol championship, advancing them to the national intercol semifinals against the north zone victors.

  • Temporary lay-off for Junior Sammy workers as contracts dry up

    Temporary lay-off for Junior Sammy workers as contracts dry up

    In an unprecedented move reflecting severe industry-wide challenges, Junior Sammy Contractors Ltd—one of Trinidad and Tobago’s largest contracting firms—has issued temporary layoff notices to all permanent staff. The Claxton Bay-based company will suspend operations without pay from December 16, 2024, until January 31, 2026, marking the first such action in its four-decade history.

    The decision stems from a critical combination of factors: the completion of existing contracts without new project acquisitions for the upcoming quarter, substantial delays in government payments for past infrastructure projects, and a drastic slowdown in major infrastructural initiatives. A company spokesperson, speaking anonymously, emphasized this was an industry-wide crisis, noting they were among the last major contractors to implement such measures despite months of efforts to avoid this outcome.

    Employees will receive compensation through December 15 and retain their employment status during the hiatus. Management plans to reassess the situation in January 2026 to determine resumption dates. The company acknowledged the severe impact on workers but stated the move was necessary for long-term viability.

    This development occurs against a backdrop of mounting pressure on the government to address billions in outstanding debts to contractors. Economist Indera Sagewan recently highlighted this urgent need at the Trinidad and Tobago Contractors Association awards dinner. Meanwhile, the government’s newly launched Revitalisation Blueprint promises 129 major projects—including highway construction, port expansions, and housing developments—projected to generate 50,000 jobs. However, contractors continue grappling with pandemic-era setbacks, soaring material costs, and shipping expenses that have crippled operations across the sector.

  • Army book Concacaf Champions Cup spot at the death

    Army book Concacaf Champions Cup spot at the death

    In a stunning reversal of fortunes, Trinidad and Tobago’s Defence Force FC secured qualification for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup despite suffering a 2-1 defeat against Dominican Republic’s Cibao FC in their Caribbean Cup third-place playoff encounter on December 2. The match, played at Santiago de los Caballeros, culminated in dramatic fashion with both the decisive goal and subsequent post-match altercation occurring during stoppage time.

    Entering the second leg with a commanding 3-0 aggregate advantage from their home fixture at Hasely Crawford Stadium, Defence Force appeared poised for comfortable progression. However, Cibao mounted an extraordinary first-half comeback with Rivaldo Correa and Yunior Peralta finding the net during stoppage time to narrow the aggregate deficit to 3-2.

    The match turned decisively in the 59th minute when Defence Force goalkeeper Isaiah Williams, hailed as ‘Blinky’ by teammates, produced a spectacular penalty save against Correa after a handball decision against right-back Isaiah Garcia. This critical intervention revitalized the Trinidadian side, who had been under sustained pressure throughout the second half.

    The climactic moment arrived in the 94th minute when veteran captain Kevin Molino, largely contained throughout the match, engineered a brilliant counterattack. Molino shrugged off defensive challenges along the right flank before delivering a precision pass to substitute Darius Ollivierra, who converted from close range to secure the vital away goal.

    The aggregate 4-2 victory triggered immediate celebrations from the Defence Force contingent, though the euphoria quickly gave way to confrontation as players from both teams engaged in an on-field altercation following the final whistle. Despite the tense conclusion, Defence Force’s third-place finish guarantees their participation in next year’s continental championship alongside Caribbean Cup finalists Mount Pleasant Football Academy and Universidad O&M FC.